24 September 2024
Private Jack Hirst combined sharp shooting and fast skiing at this year’s Exercise Coolshot to win the men’s biathlon.
It was the first time in three years Army had won the Nordic and biathlon exercise.
He won the male category in every event, dominating in both relay and endurance, except for one of the shooting comps.
“I've been training hard for this, so it feels great to finally bring the title back for Army,” Private Hirst said.
“I didn’t expect much for my first time, but it’s amazing to come out on top like this.”
He said his experience with biathlons outside Defence gave him an advantage over the other competitors.
“I'd say it's probably the previous experience and I've probably done a lot more training,” he said.
“I guess they have just got to pick up the game, find some better athletes and get more competitive.”
'Biathlon replicates essential ADF skills, such as shooting and moving, which are critical in military training.'
The biathlon, held at Mt Hotham last month, involved cross-country skiing around a 2km loop as fast as possible and shooting a .22 rifle at five 50m targets.
Missed shots resulted in either a 30-second time penalty or an additional 100m penalty loop.
Relay events involved teams skiing portions of the course then handing off to teammates.
Of the women competing, Corporal Holly Mellors placed first in Army and second overall.
“We had a relay race as well, which the female Army team won,” she said.
“I lost two of my races because of my shooting. If I'd done better in my shooting, I could have won overall.”
She said mentally switching between high-intensity skiing and calm, precise shooting was a challenge.
“You calm yourself down with a couple of deep breaths but when you’re physically exhausted, you tend to just go back to getting some rounds down, but actually, you need to be more precise,” she said.
'I've been training hard for this, so it feels great to finally bring the title back for Army.'
President of the Army Nordic Skiing and Biathlon Association Major William Miles said Army offered two weeks of free biathlon training.
“Biathlon replicates essential ADF skills, such as shooting and moving, which are critical in military training,” he said.
Major Miles said it provided a unique opportunity for soldiers to experience an expensive sport.
Personnel interested in joining can visit the Exercise Cool Shot SharePoint.
No experience is required and all necessary skills are taught.
Patron of the Army Nordic Skiing and Biathlon Association Brigadier John Shanahan said he was proud of the team’s achievements this year.
“This success is their esprit de corps, which was nurtured over two weeks of training and competition,” he said.
Commanders at all levels are encouraged to nominate personnel who demonstrate an interest in marksmanship and cross-country skiing for participation in next year's Exercise Coolshot.
“The sport is a valuable retention tool that can be harnessed for our soldiers,” Brigadier Shanahan said.
